Walk to raise awareness about eating disorders

Wendy Levine has spent most of her life battling an eating disorder.

"The eating disorder has affected every part of my life from social, educational and career-wise," Levine told FOX 13.

She sought treatment from dietician Kourtney Gordon from the Fairwinds Treatment Center.  

"Anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, all of the eating disorders themselves carry the highest mortality rate of any mental illness," Gordon said. "And in fact, binge eating disorder happens to be the number one eating disorder that is the most prevalent."

The two are spreading the word about the 3rd annual Walk for Eating Disorders Awareness at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.

"The walks have helped us create and maintain two very important support groups, one for those who are affected and one for the family members and siblings and other support persons of those who are affected," Gordon said.

The theme is "Not One More." 

"So essentially to raise awareness that we want not one more family affected, not one more person affected, not one more life lost," Gordon explained.

Levine has written a book about her experience in hopes of breaking the cycle. 

"I've lost some friends to eating disorders and I don't want to lose another friend to an eating disorder," she said.

The 3rd annual Walk for Eating Disorders Awareness is Saturday, Feb. 24 at 9 a.m. at Raymond James Stadium.

You can register at www.alliancewalks.com.

For more information, you can call 866-662-1235.